Basic Fun! buys K’NEX

Basic Fun! buys K’NEX

Boca Raton toy company acquires Pennsylvania firm

Basic Fun! the Boca Raton toy and novelty company, has purchased the assets of K'NEX, the Pennsylvania-based construction toy firm. K'NEX will join Tech 4 Kids and Uncle Milton as the latest addition to Basic Fun!

"We are very pleased to be adding this incredible iconic toy brand into our platform," said Jay Foreman, CEO of Basic Fun! "The K'NEX story is a great American toy story in every way – from its inception as a toy invention, to its unique manufacturing profile, to being recognised by consumers and the trade as a distinctive construction platform in one of the most challenging categories in the toy industry."

"K'NEX was invented by Joel Glickman, one of the company's founders, and our family has been operating this business for more than 25 years," said Michael Araten, current CEO of K'NEX. "It's time for us to connect this wonderful brand and its innovative product line with new owners whom we expect will take K'NEX to new heights over the next 25 years. We are proud to have built an iconic brand that has inspired creativity in millions of children, young and old, all over the world."

Basic Fun! plans to continue to manufacture K'NEX rods and connectors at an eco-friendly manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania under a long-term agreement with The Rodon Group, and will continue to operate the K'NEX office and distribution center in Hatfield, PA.

Both Basic Fun! and K'NEX will be showcasing their 2018 product lines at the International Toy Fair in New York, February 17 to 20, in separate displays on the main floor of the Jacob Javits Center. The companies' products will come together under one roof in subsequent shows later in the year. Both companies' products can be found at major brick and mortar retailers, as well as online, in North America and all over the world.